Request Planning Pre-Consultation

Take the stress out of planning applications – start with expert Pre-Consultation! On this page you can:

Find out If Pre-Consultation is right for you
Start the Pre-Consultation process
Review your Pre-Consultation results

Planning applications can be complex and technical—but they don’t have to be overwhelming. By starting with a pre-consultation, you gain direct access to planning experts who can help you make sure that your application is accurate, complete, and on the right track from day one.

Your proposal will be shared with relevant City departments and public agencies early in the process, giving you valuable insight and feedback before you officially submit. This proactive approach can save time, reduce costly revisions, and increase your chances of success.

Once the review is complete, you will meet with Planning Services to go over your project in detail. You'll receive professional feedback on your application’s potential and clear guidance on the next steps needed to move forward with confidence.

Find out if Pre-Consultation is right for you

We strongly recommend pre-consultation before applying for:

Zoning By-law and/or Official Plan amendment
Draft Plan of Subdivision or Condominium
Consent to Sever
Site Plan Approval or Amendment

Minor variance
Permission to enlarge or change a legal non-conforming use

Visit the Find zoning and property info page to check your property's zoning, or contact Planning Services for assistance at 807-62-BUILD (28453).

Start the pre-consultation process

The more information and details you can provide about your proposal during Pre-Consultation, the more informative and detailed the feedback from City staff can be.

To apply online:

Create an account or sign in to the Property and Permits portal.
Enter information about your project.
Upload preliminary site sketch.
Pay the fee using a credit card.

Apply online

To apply in person:

Download the Pre-Consultation form.
Enter information about your project in the form.
Bring the completed form and site sketch to the Build Thunder Bay Customer Service Counter - Victoriaville Civic Centre, 2nd floor, 111 Syndicate Ave. S.
Pay the fee by cash, cheque, credit or debit at the Build Thunder Bay Customer Service Counter.

Pre-Consultation process

1. Application intake

Planning staff review the application for completeness and request fee payment. Once the Applicant pays the fee, staff present the application for assignment.

2. Assignment and technical review

The application is assigned to a Planner. Staff complete a technical review of the application.

3. Request for comments

The Planner circulates the application to external agencies and other City staff for comments. The Planner may contact the Applicant to schedule a meeting at this stage.

4. Planning review

The Planner reviews comments received and completes their review of the application. Planner identifies:

Which planning applications are required
Which submissions are required for a complete application (i.e. drawings, studies, surveys, etc.)
Which conditions or other approvals the Applicant will likely need to complete

5. Internal review meeting

The Planner presents their conclusions to a team of planning, engineering, and parks staff for discussion.

6. Meeting with Applicant / Completing Pre-Consultation Record

The Planner meets with the Applicant to discuss their proposal and the results of the review process. Planner provides a completed Pre-Consultation Record to the Applicant.

Review Your Pre-Consultation Results

You will meet with the City’s Planning team to receive feedback on the viability of your plans and any additional information you may have to provide to move forward. This early engagement helps ensure a smoother approval process and minimizes potential delays down the line.